The 2009 NFC North Preview
In 2009 the Biggest Stories in the North Will be About the QB's
Jul 24, 2009
The Minnesota Vikings emerged as the NFC North champion in 2008, but the margin of difference between themselves and Chicago and Green Bay is marginal at best. All three teams had identical divisional records of 4-2 and a couple of wins or losses either way would have easily changed these results. Over the years the “black and blue” North division has been known for its hard hitting brand of defense, but this season all the focus will be on their quarterbacks. With the arrival of Jay Cutler in Chicago, the possible arrival of Brett Favre in Minnesota, the first overall pick in this year’s draft; Matthew Stafford in Detroit, and Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, something tells me that whichever team’s QB has the best season will win the division. The following is a preview of each team in the division, noting their strengths and weaknesses heading into this season.
Chicago Bears
One of the biggest problems for the Bears over the past several seasons has been the inconsistent play of their quarterbacks. After trading with Denver for All-Pro QB Jay Cutler this past off season, they are hoping they can finally put this problem to rest. Cutler will give this offense a whole new dimension has the Bears were primarily known as a running team. While they still do not have a dominant number one receiver, Cutler’s ability to spread the ball around will keep opposing defenses off balance. If they are able to add a big name receiver like Plaxico Burress or Brandon Marshall before the start of the season, they would definitely be the odds on favorite to win the North. Defensively they need to create a better balance between their pass defense which was ranked 30th last season and their run defense which was ranked 5th. With some key players returning from injuries their defense should be much improved in 2009.
Detroit Lions
There is no other way to sum up the Lion’s 2008 season other than calling it a complete disaster. Bad went to worse and they finished as the only team in NFL history to lose all 16 games in a season. With a brand new front office and coaching staff they are basically starting from scratch in 2009. They drafted QB Matthew Stafford from Georgia with the first overall pick of the draft. While veteran QB Daunte Culpepper will most likely be the starter in week one, I look for Stafford to get his chance by week 7 or 8. The Lions biggest problem will be putting last year behind them and getting that first win. They will be better this season, but not enough to be a factor in the North.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers fell to a disappointing 6-10 last season after a 13-3 record in 2007. Aaron Rodgers was thrust into the spotlight, replacing Green Bay legend, Brett Favre at quarterback. While he did throw for over 4000 yards, he lacked the consistency to win on a regular basis. I expect Rodgers to have a breakout season in 2009. Firmly in control of this offense, he has the skills to be one of the top QB’s in the league. The Packers main concern is shoring up a defense that was ranked in the bottom third of the league in several categories last year. They brought in Don Capers as their new defensive coordinator and will switch to a new 3-4 scheme in an effort to turn things around. The right pieces are in place for the Packers to be back in the thick of things in the North, but they still need to put it all together.
Minnesota Vikings
From the minute the Jets released QB Brett Favre this past off season, speculation of him signing with the Vikings began. While at this point it still isn’t definite, I do expect him to return. How much he can help this team remains to be seen, but at the very least he should be able to improve a passing offense that was ranked 25th last season. RB Adrian Peterson is the Vikings offense, leading the league with 1760 rushing yards in 2008. The need to create a better balance between pass and run, and Favre right now may be the best available player to do this. Drafting WR Percy Harvin from Florida in the 1st round is another step in the right direction. If Favre doesn’t return, then it will be up to Tavaras Jackson or Sage Rosenfels to run this offense; which basically adds up to a ton of carries for Peterson. Defensively the Vikings are solid, especially against the run where they were ranked 1st last season. If they can improve the overall production on offense, they should be the team to beat in the North this season.
See Also: The 2009 NFC East Preview
